Gerald Keck

Gerald Edwin Keck, 69, of Surprise, AZ, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 24, 2011.  A celebration of his life will be held at Calvary Chapel Surprise, 15610 W. Greenway Rd., Surprise, AZ, 85374 on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM.  He was born in Akron, Ohio, to Edwin F. and Ruth (Watson) Keck on January 10, 1942.  Since his dad was career Army, he grew up around the world, graduating from high school in Izmir, Turkey, in 1960.  After graduation, Jerry immediately joined the Army.  He was stationed in Undorn, Thailand, with the 1st Cavalry Infantry during the Vietnam War.    Upon discharge, he returned to Akron, Ohio, were he was employed by the B O Railroad for 10 years.  During that time, he trained to be a semi-truck driver and, after leaving the railroad, spent his career as a driver.  He met Carole Casselberry and her young son, Michael, in 1974.  He married her and they became a family in April 1975, settling in Clermont, Florida.  While there, Heather was born and Jerry adopted Michael.  In 1978, Jerry accepted Jesus and his whole life changed.  They later returned to Ohio for a few years, and then moved on to Longmont, Colorado, in 1983.  There Jerry continued to drive truck until an accident on a mountain road ended his trucking career in 1988.  During his recovery and first years of disability, he rededicated his life to the Lord and became a licensed pastor in November of 1992 under the guidance of Don Moore, Trinity Baptist, Longmont.  At the same time he became involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and pledged his sobriety.  He and Ken Aue started Long’s Peak Riders for Christ, the local chapter of Christian Motorcycle Association and Jerry served as president.  Soon thereafter, he founded Praise Fellowship with 6 people in attendance.  The congregation grew to nearly 90 in a short time. Jerry and Carole moved to Arizona in 1995, like many others, for the healing effects of the warm weather.  He became a member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club where he met Buck Rogers and started a strong friendship that lasted the rest of his life.  Jerry, also known as ‘Preacher’, served as past president and chaplain of the club.  Health issues in 2000 and again in 2005 curtailed his involvement but his loyalty to all his fellow vets and AA members never failed.  He then spent his time painting on canvas and ceramics to fill his days, even doing some teaching of airbrush techniques. In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by their children, Michael Keck of Littleton, Colorado, and Heather Jones of Surprise, AZ; children of his first marriage, Jerry and Lori of Akron, Ohio; granddaughter, Alexis ‘Lexi’ Kitchens of Surprise, AZ; his mother, Ruth Dellenberger of Sun City, AZ; brother James (Sandra) Keck of El Mirage, AZ; step-brother, Jeff (Linda) Dellenberger of Cocoa Beach, Florida; cousins, nieces and nephews in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Arizona.  He will also be sadly missed by his dog, Jo-Jo.  His father, step-father, William Dellenberger, and sister, Darleen Fergie preceded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his name to: American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, www.diabetes.org.